Facial Tissue Comprising An Interleaved Waterproofing Plastic Film.

ABSTRACT

A facial tissue product comprising a waterproofing plastic film; at least one set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to a one surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the one set are free of a water resistant additive; and at least another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to an opposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the another set are free of a water resistant additive, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film does not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissue plies.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Inventions

This disclosure relates to tissue products and specifically a facialtissue comprising an interleaved waterproofing plastic film.

2. Description of the Related Art

Extensive research has been devoted, and continues to be devoted, to thefurther enhancements of tissue products including facial tissueproducts.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,913, issued Dec. 6, 2011 to Salaam et al., assignedto The Proctor & Gamble Company, and titled: “Soft Tissue Paper Having APolyhydroxy Compound Applied Onto A Surface Thereof”, explains that“Achieving a high softening potential without degrading strength haslong been an object of workers in the field of the present invention.”(913 2:19-21.)

The '913 Patent explains with respect to the prior art that: “All ofthese sanitary products share a common need, specifically to be soft tothe touch. Softness is a complex tactile impression elicited by aproduct when it is stroked against the skin. The purpose of being softis so that these products can be used to cleanse the skin without beingirritating. Effectively cleansing the skin is a persistent personalhygiene problem for many people. Objectionable discharges of urine,menses, and fecal matter from the perineal area or otorhinolaryngogicalmucus discharges do not always occur at a time convenient for one toperform a thorough cleansing, as with soap and copious amounts of waterfor example.” . . . “Not surprisingly, the use of these products doesnot approach the level of cleanliness that can be achieved by the morethorough cleansing methods, and producers of tissue and towelingproducts are constantly striving to make their products compete morefavorably with thorough cleansing methods.” (913 1:22-41.)

The '913 Patent further explains with respect to the prior art that:“Accordingly, making soft tissue and toweling products which promotecomfortable cleaning without performance impairing sacrifices has longbeen the goal of the engineers and scientists who are devoted toresearch into improving tissue paper. There have been numerous attemptsto reduce the abrasive effect, i.e., improve the softness of tissueproducts.” (913 1:42-48.)

A significant assortment of facial tissue products are readily availableto consumers that provide a variety of features that may be deemedadvantageous. Additionally, the prior art is extensively developed andthe field has attracted extensive research by leading worldwide consumercompanies such as the Proctor & Gamble Company and the Kimberly-ClarkCorporation, owner of the Kleenex facial tissue brand.

In reviewing the state of the relevant art, the following termsdefinitions are provided: “Water-resistant: resisting though notentirely preventing the penetration of water.” “Water-repellent: havinga finish that resists but is not impervious to water.” “Waterproof:impervious to water.” (https://www.dictionary.com accessed Apr. 18 2022)Those definitions are consistent with those given by the Oxford EnglishDictionary and adopted by, for example, HZO. “HZO is the global leader &innovator in protective solutions” . . . “We work with some of thelargest companies across industries from design through production, nomatter the volume, complexity, or protection required to deliver abetter, more reliable and more durable water resistant and waterproofproduct.” (https://www.hzo.com/accessed Apr. 18, 2022)

As will be self-evident. the following references may, arguably,disclose products having a water-resistant or water repellent capabilitybut they fail to disclose or render obvious facial tissue comprising aninterleaved waterproofing film or barrier as is the object of the hereinclaimed inventions.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,020 issued Apr. 25 2000 to Goul et et al., assignedto Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., titled “Soft Absorbent TissueProducts Having Delayed Moisture Penetration” recites in part“Amine-modified polysiloxanes are applied to the opposite outer surfacesof a tissue product, such as the two outer surfaces of a 3-ply facialtissue, providing improved softness to the surfaces and a degree ofhydrophobicity to prevent wet through of liquids during use. However,the degree of hydrophobicity is controlled by the chemical structure ofthe amine-modified polysiloxane and/or by blending the amine-modifiedpolysiloxane with a more hydrophilic modified polysiloxane such thatliquid is still allowed to enter the tissue structure in a reasonablyshort time to be absorbed by the center ply, but the absorption incombination with the hydrophobicity of the other outer surfacesubstantially delays the liquid from passing completely through thetissue product.” (′020 Abstract.)

The '020 Patent discloses that: “Tissue products of this invention canhave two-plies, three-plies, four plies or more. Three ply products arepreferred because the two outer plies can each have theiroutwardly-facing surface treated with the modified polysiloxane(s) inaccordance with this invention. The resulting three-ply product has twosoft, liquid repellent outer surfaces and an inner absorbent ply. Thisallows liquid to not only be absorbed by the inner ply, but also to beentrapped in the space between the plies, which further reduces thelikelihood of the user experiencing wet through of the tissue duringuse. Particularly suitable tissue products include facial tissue, bathtissue, kitchen towels and the like. These products are suitably madeusing conventional papermaking fibers. Their individual plies can belayered or homogeneous, wet-pressed or throughdried.” (020 3:4-17.)

The '020 Patent discloses that in arriving at its Wet Through Time andthe Wet Out Area determinations, “The tissue sample 3, which has beenfolded in half and placed on top of the moisture sensor, is secured withtwo Lexan side weights 4 and 5 pl aced on both sides of the moisturesensor. Each side weight measures ¾ inch by ¼ inch in cross-section andis 4 inches long. These weights are placed such that the folded tissuesample rests flat against the surface of the moisture sensor, but is notunder tension.” (′020 5:15-22, emphasis added.) . . . “Using amicro-pipette, 0.5 milliliter of the test liquid is placed in the hole 5of the sample cover and timing of the test is begun. When the moisturemonitor alarm light is activated, the elapsed time in seconds is the WetThrough Time for that sample.” (′020 5:59-64.) The '020 Patent's testingmethodologies raise questions of testing biases inconsistent with actualuse conditions.

The Wikipedia website informs that a facial tissue “is designed tofacilitate the expulsion of nasal mucus from the nose (nose-blowing)”.(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial tissue accessed Apr. 17 2022) The'020 Patent methodology implemented to determine Wet Through Time andthe Wet Out Area are inconsistent with the expulsion of nasal mucus fromthe nose (nose-blowing), especially under conditions of a user sufferingfrom a cold or allergy. Merely providing “Soft Absorbent Tissue ProductsHaving Delayed Moisture Penetration” (′020 Title) does not adequatelyaddress the object of a waterproofing barrier that effectively preventswet through.

Similarly deficient is U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,766 issued May 24 2005 toSarbo et al., assigned to Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., and titled:“Paper Wiping Products Treated With A Hydrophobic Additive” whichrecites in part: “a water resistant additive, such as a hydrophobicadditive is applied, in this embodiment, to the first side of the tissuesheet according to a first pattern and applied to the second side of thetissue sheet according to a second pattern..” (′766 1:64-2:19.)“Ultimately, paper products made according to the present invention havea fast initial fluid intake, yet a delayed fluid strike through.” (′76642:39-41.)

Similarly deficient is U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,764 Issued Sep. 27 2011 toBhat, et al., assigned to Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LS, titled“Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through Resistance AndMethod Of Making The Same” recites in part “A paper product withabsorbency and moisture strike through resistance is disclosed. Moreparticularly, a multi-ply paper product with improved strike throughresistance is disclosed, wherein at least one ply is a wetting resistantply comprising at least one wetting resistant compound and at least oneply is an absorbent ply possessing greater absorbency than the wettingresistant ply.” (′764 Abstract.)

The '764 Patent describes a strike through test methodology at15:66-16:25. The '764 Patent's described strike through test isconsistent with water-resistant capability (i.e., five seconds). (′76416:20-25.) Further, the '764 Patent's testing methodologies also raisequestions of testing biases inconsistent with actual use conditions. The'764 Patent recites that “One test for WAR involves conditioning asample of the ply or plies to be tested to about 23° C. and about 50%relative humidity.” (′764 15:42-44. WAR water absorption rate) While“One test for strike through involves first curing a sample ply forabout 5 minutes at about 105° C., which is then cooled for about 5minutes.” (′764 16:3-5.)

Also similarly deficient is U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,813 issued Nov. 25 2014to Zwick, et al., is titled: “Absorbent Barrier Tissue” which recites inpart that: “The inventors have now surprisingly discovered that theabsorbent capacity of a tissue may be increased, without negativelyeffecting strike-through, by increasing the basis weight and reducingcreping chemistry add-on. While increasing the basis weight generallyhas little or no effect on strike-through resistance, it has now beendiscovered that increasing basis weight and employing certain crepingconditions may actually improve strike-through resistance and enable areduction in the amount of creping composition added to the sheet.Reducing the amount of creping composition, in combination with thehigher basis weight, yields a tissue having both improved strike-thoughresistance and absorbency. Moreover, these attributes are achievedwithout resorting to post-treating the tissue with silicones, waxes,oils or the like.” (813 1:26-40.)

See also, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,965 issued Oct. 19 2004 toLiu is titled: “Method For The Application Of Hydrophobic Chemicals ToTissue Webs”. U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,547 issued Sep. 21 2010 to Bhat etal., is titled: “Absorbent Sheet Exhibiting Resistance To MoisturePenetration”. U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,169 issued Sep. 21 2010 to Bhat etal., is titled: “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike ThroughResistance And Method Of Making The Same”.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,382 issued Oct. 22 2002 to Andersson et al., titled:“Packaging Material With Good Gas Barrier Properties And Also Method OfProducing The Material” recites in part: “The packaging material in theembodiment of the invention shown has been given the general referencedesignation 1. The packaging material 1 comprises a first layer of afibrous material 2, e.g. paper or cardboard, and another layer of afibrous material 3, e.g. paper or cardboard, which are bound to eachother with the aid of an intermediate layer of a water based polymer 4serving as gas barrier and binding agent in direct contact with the twosurrounding layers of fibrous material. The packaging material 1comprises in addition further moisture repellent coatings of plastic 5and 6, preferably polyethylene, which are placed against the outsides ofthe respective layers of fibrous material 2 and 3.” (382 3:1-10.) “Thetwo layers of fibrous material 2 and 3 can consist of the same fibrousmaterial, but preferably the one layer of fibrous material 2 serving asthe main body consists of strong paper or cardboard while the otherlayer of fibrous material 3 consists of a paper of butter paper type,e.g. greaseproof paper, glassine etc.” (382 21-27.) The '382 Patent's“packaging material 1 comprises in addition further moisture repellentcoatings of plastic 5 and 6, preferably polyethylene, which are placedagainst the outsides of the respective layers of fibrous material 2 and3” teaches away from a facial tissue application and is inconsistentwith the conventional absorption requirements of a facial tissue.

The Amazon.com website accessed on Apr. 15, 2022 offered an extensiveassortment of facial tissue products including for example: (i) “KleenexExpressions Trusted Care Facial Tissues” “2-layer strong facial tissuesthat help keep hands clean. Soft & strong for everyday use; designed tohelp keep hands clean. Thick, absorbent, and durable enough to helpcomfort skin and stand up against sniffles, sneezes, runny noses, andeven little drips & spills”. (ii) “Kleenex Cooling Lotion FacialTissues” “Featuring a unique lotion made with coconut oil and Vitamin Ethat cools on contact, dermatologist tested. Durable, 3-ply tissue thatis thick & absorbent.” ((iii) “Kleenex Expressions Soothing LotionFacial Tissues with Coconut Oil, Aloe & Vitamin E” “Soft 3-layer strongfacial tissues infused with Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.Preferred 2:1 over the leading lotion-infused facial tissue. Dailymoisturizers nourish and help protect skin. Soothing lotion facialtissues help protect skin by locking in moisture.” (iv)“Puffs PlusLotion With Vicks Facial Tissues” “Infused with the scent of Vicks formaximum comfort during cold and flu season”. (v) “Noseys Super SoftTissues” “Ultra strong, feather soft, skin friendly hypoallergeniclint-free facial tissues. Perfect for sensitive or dry skin”. (vi)“Cozyfeel Lotion Facial Tissues” “Soft 3-layer strong facial tissuesinfused with lotion. lotion facial tissues help protect skin by lockingin moisture.” (vi) “Amazon Brand—Presto! Ultra-Soft Facial Tissues,3-Ply Premium Thick” “Ultra-soft and strong, thick facial tissues.Durable strength premium tissues”. None of these products claim awaterproofing capability.

The exemplary product Kleenex (“2-layer strong facial tissues that helpkeep hands clean. Soft & strong for everyday use”) precisely because itdoes not effectively and directly address the specific use of a facialtissue by a user suffering from a common cold, fails under thosespecific conditions to prevent moisture penetration through the facialtissue onto the user's hand.

Facial tissues readily available to consumers, while suitable for mostuses, do not provide the necessary qualities required by, for example, auser suffering from the kind of runny noses and nasal mucus secretionsassociated with a cold or the nasal discharge associated with a sinusinfection. In other words the objects associated with marketing facialtissues to the broadest consumer audience for everyday use hassacrificed providing an effective limited use product to a niche market.The present inventions are drawn to effectively serving a specific andwell-defined consumer audience.

SUMMARY

The facial tissue embodiments disclosed herein advantageously solve theshortcomings inherent in the prior art methods by synergisticallyintegrating an effective waterproofing film/barrier in a facial tissuesufficient to assure a user that the principal design objective ofpreventing fluid penetration (e.g., wet through and moisture strikethrough) is not compromised and that the concerns of protecting othersfrom infection are properly addressed. Advantageously, with the use ofthe disclosed facial tissue, a user's hands are conceptually less likelyto become a source of transmission of germs to surfaces and eventuallyto others.

A facial tissue as per one exemplary embodiment of the presentinventions comprises an effective waterproofing film interleaved betweenat least two plies of paper tissue. The waterproofing film isconstructed/formulated to be specifically effective, during the forcedexpulsion of mucus on one of the paper plies of the tissue, to preventfluid from penetrating through to the opposite paper ply of the tissue.A waterproofing film or material may be any physical material, chemical,coating, substance, and/or matter suitable to provide an effectivewaterproofing barrier and that does not undermine the effective use ofsuch a tissue product. An alternate technically effective embodimentdoes not require a ply of tissue on both sides of the barrier. However,the symmetry of the interleaved configuration facilitates ease of useand advantageously addresses conventional expectations.

The interested reader may easily construct an effective demonstration ofa facial tissue paper comprising an interleaved waterproofing film(herein also a “cold tissue paper”) as per the present invention, by,for example, (i) separating the plies of a 2-ply or 3-ply conventionaltissue paper (e.g., “Puffs Plus Lotion with the scent of Vicks” a 2-plyfacial tissue) into individual plies; (ii) laying a film of plastic foodwrap (e.g., Kirkland Stretch-Tite plastic food wrap) on andsubstantially covering one ply of tissue paper; (iii) laying a secondply of tissue paper over the film of plastic and the underlying ply oftissue paper; and (iv) trimming any excess film of plastic, whereby thetwo plies of tissue paper sandwich the film of plastic. While notnecessary for testing, adding an adhesive to the inside corners of thetissue paper that make contact with the plastic film, completes thesample.

Such a simple prototype “cold tissue paper” provides a completelyeffective waterproofing barrier even when the paper tissue plyforcefully receiving the fluid is partially disintegrated.

The use of a thin plastic film, or such other material or compositionhaving similar waterproofing and pliable qualities, also, in addition tothe waterproofing, advantageously imparts to the cold facial tissue asense of substance and strength not matched by presently availablefacial tissues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue.

FIG. 1B is side view of a 3-ply facial tissue.

FIG. 2A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is awetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply.

FIG. 2B is side view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is awetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply.

FIG. 3A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film.

FIG. 3B is side view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film.

FIG. 3C is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 3A further comprising anadditional coating between the absorbent tissue plies and thewaterproofing film.

FIG. 4A is top view of a 4-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film.

FIG. 4B is side view of the 4-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film.

FIG. 5A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing barrier.

FIG. 5B is side view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing barrier.

FIG. 6A is top view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are appliedto both surfaces of a waterproofing film.

FIG. 6B is side view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are appliedto both surfaces of a waterproofing film.

FIG. 7A is top view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film,having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved betweentwo plies of tissue paper.

FIG. 7B is side view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film,having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved betweentwo plies of tissue paper.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of the present disclosure, no conceptual distinction shouldbe drawn from the use of the terms on, at, or in, and the various termsused in the art are defined as follows:

The terms “top”, upper”, “bottom”, “lower”, “middle”, and “center”, whenreferring to the facial tissue plies, are used merely to distinguishamong plies, recognizing that, for example, a bottom ply is a top plywhen the facial tissue is flipped over. In asymmetrical embodiments, thehere presume that the top facial tissue ply is the tissue ply that comesin contact with a user's skin.

The terms “comprises”, “include”, and “contains” do not limit theelements to those recited. By contrast, only the term “consist” limitsthe elements to those listed. Unless specifically stated otherwise, theterm “some” refers to one or more.

The term “exemplary” shall mean “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any aspect or embodiment described herein as “exemplary”is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous overother aspects or embodiments described herein.

The phrase including the terms “incorporated herein” shall be understoodto mean incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and isexemplary of the knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill inthe art. The term “herein” shall mean in the entirety of thisspecification including drawings, abstract, and claims. The term hereinis not limited to the paragraph, section, or embodiment in which it mayappear.

The term “responsive” does not limit the elements, conditions, and/orrequirements that may be taken into consideration. For example, anelement or structure that is responsive to a specified requirement isnot limited to being responsive to only that specified requirement. Anelement or structure may be responsive to a specified requirement and asecond non-specified requirement, specially, when the secondrequirement, while described as an alternative requirement, may be alsodeemed complementary.

The term “POSITA” shall mean a person of ordinary skill in the art.

The term “additive” shall mean an additive, coating, softener, lotion,skin-conditioning agent, sunscreen agent, anti-acne agent,anti-microbial agent, cosmetic astringent, and mixtures thereof. Theterm “additive” shall also mean an hydrophobic agent to increasehydrophobic properties or an hydrophilic agent to enhance hydrophilicproperties.

The term “coating” shall mean a coating, covering, and/or substance,substantially, but not necessarily entirely, coating.

The term “cold tissue paper” shall mean facial tissue paper comprising awaterproofing film, material, and/or barrier.

The term “fiber” shall mean any product incorporating papermaking fiberhaving cellulose as a major constituent. The term “fiber” also comprisesvirgin pulps, recycle (secondary) cellulosic fibers, or fiber mixesincluding cellulosic fibers. Fibers also can include nonwood fibers,such as cotton fibers or cotton derivatives, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass,flax, esparto grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed floss fibers,and pineapple leaf fibers; and wood fibers such as those obtained fromdeciduous and coniferous trees, including softwood fibers, such asnorthern and southern softwood Kraft fibers; hardwood fibers, such aseucalyptus, maple, birch, aspen, or the like.

The term “fluid” shall mean otorhinolaryngological discharges, nasalmucus, bodily fluid, bodily secretions, other bodily substance from auser, and/or water.

The term “material” shall mean any material, matter, substance, element,component, film, chemical, nano coating, parylene coatings, polymericfilms, that may, alone or in combination with other materials, serve toproduce a waterproof barrier.

The terms “strike-through” and “strike-through resistance” refer to theability of a tissue product or ply to prevent the passage of water orother liquid through its thickness.

The term “tissue product” refers to and includes, paper products, bathtissues, facial tissues, paper towels, industrial wipers, foodservicewipers, napkins, place mats, table coverings, medical pads, productsmade from base webs comprising fibers, and other similar disposableproducts.

The term “waterproof” shall mean impervious to fluid (i.e., not allowingpassage or penetration of fluid and having a low vapor permeability).Accordingly, the term “waterproofing” is definitionally equivalent to aterm “fluidproofing”. By contrast the term “water-resistant” shall meanresisting though not entirely preventing the penetration of fluid”, andthe term “water-repellent” shall mean having a finish that resists butis not impervious to fluid.

The above defined terms and other terms explicitly defined hereinbeloware to be understood as defined in this document. Incorporation byreference shall not act to modify, limit, or broaden the definitionshereinabove provided or formally defined in this document. A term thatis not formally defined in this document is defined herein to have itsordinary and customary meanings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed descriptions are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Combinations andvariants of the individual embodiments discussed are both fullyenvisioned and intended. Although the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description may generally discuss a speciallyadapted facial tissue, a facial tissue is not intended to be the onlyform of tissue product envisioned under the present description.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

A facial tissue according to one exemplary embodiment comprises aneffective waterproofing barrier, such a waterproofing film, that isinterleaved between at least two plies of paper tissue of conventionalcharacteristics. The waterproofing barrier is constructed/formulated tobe specifically effective, during the forced expulsion of fluid on oneof the paper plies of the tissue, in preventing fluid from penetratingthrough to the opposite paper ply of the tissue.

Tissue products such as facial tissue utilize fibrous tissues sometimescalled paper webs, paper sheets, tissue layers, paper plies or papertissue webs. A paper tissue ply may be comprised of a single or multiplelayers.

The article titled “An Elastoplastic Creping Model For TissueManufacturing” published in the International Journal of Solids andStructure and made available online Jan. 24 2019 provides an excellentreview of the manufacturing of low-density tissue paper, and isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, thebioresources.com “peer-reviewed review article” titled: “UnderstandingThe Effects Of Machine Technology And Cellulosic Fibers On TissueProperties—A Review” by de Assis et al., (2018)https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/understanding-the-effect-of-machine-technology-and-cellulosic-fibers-on-tissue-properties-a-review/isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is furtherexemplary of the knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill inthe art. “This review presents a comprehensive and systematic discussionabout the effects of the type of fiber and machine technology on tissuepaper.” (de Assis lines 2-4. See the references cited in the review.)

The following references are also relied upon to provide foundationaldescriptions of the relevant technologies and methodologies, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

The above cited U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,813 issued Nov. 25 2014 to Zwick, etal., titled: “Absorbent Barrier Tissue”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,913, issuedDec. 6 2011 to Salaam et al., titled: “Soft Tissue Paper Having APolyhydroxy Compound Applied Onto A Surface Thereof”; U.S. Pat. No.8,025,764 Issued Sep. 27 2011 to Bhat, et al titled “Multi-Ply PaperProduct With Moisture Strike Through Resistance And Method Of Making TheSame”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,169 issued Sep. 21 2007 to Bhat et al.,titled: “Multi-Ply Paper Product With Moisture Strike Through ResistanceAnd Method Of Making The Same”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,547 issued Nov. 27to Luu et al., titled: “Absorbent Sheet Exhibiting Resistance ToMoisture Penetration”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,766 issued May 24 2005 toSarbo et al., titled: “Paper Wiping Products Treated With A HydrophobicAdditive”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,965 issued Oct. 19 2012 to Liu titled:“Method For The Application Of Hydrophobic Chemicals To Tissue Webs”;U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,382 issued Oct. 22 2002 to Andersson et al., titled:“Packaging Material With Good Gas Barrier Properties And Also Method OfProducing The Material”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,020 issued Apr. 25 2000to Goulet et al., titled “Soft Absorbent Tissue Products Having DelayedMoisture Penetration” are all incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

Further foundational are for example, U.S. Patent 5.397.435 issued Mar.14 1995 to Ostendorf et al titled: “Multi-Ply Facial Tissue PaperProduct Comprising Chemical Softening Compositions And BinderMaterials”. The '435 Patent recites in part: “This invention relates tomulti-ply facial tissue paper products. More particularly, it relates tomulti-ply facial tissue paper products comprising chemical softenercompositions and a combination of wet strength binders, permanent and/ortemporary, and dry strength binders. The treated tissue webs can be usedto make soft, absorbent and lint resistant paper products such as facialtissue products..” (′435 1:7-14.) “It has long been recognized that fourimportant physical attributes of these products are their strength,their softness, their absorbency, including their absorbency for aqueoussystems; and their lint resistance, including their lint resistance whenwet. Research and development efforts have been directed to theimprovement of each of these attributes without seriously affecting theothers as well as to the improvement of two or three attributessimultaneously.” (′435 1:19-27.)

U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,766 issued Aug. 1, 1995 to Van Phan et al., andtitled: “Multi-Ply Facial Tissue Paper Product Comprising BiodegradableChemical Softening Compositions And Binder Materials” recites in part:“The present invention provides soft, absorbent, lint resistantmulti-ply facial tissue paper products comprising paper making fibers,biodegradable chemical softening compositions and a combination of wetstrength binders, either permanent and/or temporary, and dry strengthbinders.” The '766 Patent also recites in part: “It is anticipated thatwood pulp in all its varieties will normally comprise the paper makingfibers used in this invention. However, other cellulose fibrous pulps,such as cotton liners, bagasse, rayon, etc., can be used and none aredisclaimed. Wood pulps useful herein include chemical pulps such asKraft, sulfite and sulfate pulps as well as mechanical pulps includingfor example, ground wood, thermomechanical pulps andChemi-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP). Pulps derived from both deciduousand coniferous trees can be used.” (′766 7:33-42.)

More recent examples include: U.S. Pat. No. 9,951,477 issued Apr. 242018 to Zwick et al is titled: “High Basis Weight Tissue With LowSlough”; and U.S. Pat. No. 11,028,539 issued Jun. 8 2021 to Margo Morenoet al titled: “Soft High Basis Weight Tissue”, which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

As a result of the incorporation of the cited references and theexpectation of the knowledge available to a person of ordinary skill inthe art, the specification is drafter to provide that level of detailrequired by such a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice theclaimed inventions and to comply with all that is required of a patentapplication specification, including, for example, compliance with therequirements under 35 USC § 112.

FIG. 1A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue of conventionalcharacteristics. The 3-ply 100 facial tissue comprises a top tissue ply101, a middle tissue ply 102, and a bottom tissue ply 103. Such a tissuearchitecture is implemented in, for example, the Kleenex Anti-Viralfacial tissue whose package states in part that the: “tissue has threesoft layers, including a moisture activated middle layer that kills99.9% of cold and flu viruses in the tissue within 15 minutes.” In thecase of the Kleenex Anti-Viral facial tissue, the middle tissue ply 102includes the anti-viral additive.

FIG. 1B is side view of the 3-ply facial tissue of conventionalcharacteristics as depicted in FIG. 1A. The side view identifies the toptissue ply 101, the middle tissue ply 102, and the bottom tissue ply 103of the 3-ply facial tissue. The exemplary Kleenex Anti-Viral facialtissue packaging does not claim wet through prevention characteristics.As is illustrated, a 3-ply facial tissue, of conventionalcharacteristics, has no waterproofing characteristics 104 and isdepicted by the fluid (water droplet shape) movement (arrow) from thetop absorbent ply 101 to the bottom absorbent ply 103.

FIG. 2A is top view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is awetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply. The3-ply 200 facial tissue comprises a top absorbent ply 201, a middlewetting resistant ply 202, and a bottom absorbent ply 203.

FIG. 2B is side view of a 3-ply facial tissue wherein one ply is awetting resistant ply and at least one ply is an absorbent ply asdepicted in FIG. 2B. The side view identifies the top absorbent ply 201,the middle wetting resistant ply 202, and the bottom absorbent ply 203of the 3-ply facial tissue. As is illustrated, a 3-ply facial tissue, asmay be suggested by the above cited U.S. Pat. No. 8,025,764 Issued Sep.27 2011 to Bhat, et al., titled “Multi-Ply Paper Product With MoistureStrike Through Resistance And Method Of Making The Same” may comprise a“delayed fluid strike through” characteristic 204. The delayed fluidstrike through characteristic 204 is depicted by the fluid (waterdroplets shapes) partially moving (arrow) from the top absorbent ply 201to the bottom absorbent ply 203.

FIG. 3A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film as per one exemplary embodiment of the presentinventions. The 2-ply facial tissue 300 comprises a top absorbent tissueply 301, an interleaved waterproofing film 302, and a bottom absorbenttissue ply 303. The facial tissue of FIG. 3A may also be described asbeing a 3-ply tissue paper, the third ply being the waterproofing film302.

FIG. 3B is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 3A. The side view identifies thetop absorbent tissue ply 301, the interleaved waterproofing film 302,and the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303 of the facial tissue. Thewaterproofing film 302 provides the waterproofing characteristic 304.The waterproofing characteristic 304 is depicted by the fluid (waterdroplets shapes) not allowed passage or penetration (octagonal shapedstop sign) from the top absorbent ply 301 to the bottom absorbent ply303.

In this exemplary embodiment, the waterproofing film is produced and/orformulated to be utilized in a facial tissue and be effective, duringthe forced expulsion of mucus on one of the paper plies of the tissue,to prevent fluid from penetrating through to the opposite paper ply ofthe tissue. The waterproofing film may be any physical material and/ormatter suitable to provide an effective waterproofing barrier. Themanufacturing of the exemplary film of plastic food wrap (e.g., KirklandStretch-Tite plastic food wrap) is well known to a person of ordinaryskill in the art and is exemplary of the knowledge available to aPOSITA. A BPA free polyvinyl chloride thin flexible plastic film andfilms having similar low moisture-vapor permeability are herein definedto be waterproofing films.

A waterproofing film may be made from or utilize polyethylene, PVC,low-density polyethylene (LDPE a thermoplastic made from the monomerethylene), a thermoplastic, and/or polymeric. The varieties ofpolyethylene films include low-density polyethylene, medium densitypolyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and linear low-densitypolyethylene. Polyethylene wrap usually contains no plasticizers. Theuse of additives, such as phthalates, that are mixed to render plasticsmooth may be at cross purposes with the objects of certain embodimentsof facial tissues, since the plies of tissue paper applied to thesurfaces of the film impart the desired hand-feel softness to the facialtissue.

Bio-based materials starch, cellulose, and those derived from processesinvolving microbial fermentation offer innovative alternatives. Forexample, bioplastics synthesized via microbial fermentation ofpolysaccharides poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) promise a lowmoisture-vapor permeability that is comparable to that of low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE),

The effectives of the various waterproofing films may be measured bytests for permeability, impact resistance, and tear strength. Unlike ina Kirkland Stretch-Tite plastic food wrap, in a facial tissueapplication flexibility is a desired quality while stretchability(stretch-to-seal) and transparency are less, if at all, desirablequalities. Typically, a waterproofing film will have a thickness of35-40 gauge, which is equivalent to 0.00035-.0004 inches. Plastic filmsare also available in, for example, 30 gauge and seven layers 80 gaugethicknesses.

In an exemplary embodiment, a hypoallergenic (latex-free) nonwovenplastic film provides the required waterproofing. Exemplary of theknowledge available to a POSITA and incorporated herein by reference isthe manufacturing of films such as are used in “3M™ Tegaderm™Transparent Film Dressings consist of a thin film backing with ahypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive that gently, yet securely, adheresto skin. Tegaderm™ dressings are breathable, sterile, transparent andwaterproof, and provide a barrier to external contaminants” . . . “Invitro testing shows that the transparent film of 3M™ Tegaderm™ CHGDressings provides a viral barrier from viruses 27 nm in diameter orlarger while the dressing remains intact without leakage.”(https://www.3 m.com/3M/enUS/medical-us/tegaderm-transparent-film-dressings/accessed Apr. 20 2022)

While, not every element/feature of the 3M transparent film dressing isdeemed suitable or advantageous in an exemplary embodiment of a facialtissue as per the present inventions, clearly the qualities of a medicalgrade transparent/opaque film providing a “bacterial and viral barrier”and that “remains intact without leakage” is a particularly advantageouswaterproofing film technology suitable for a facial tissue application.

To the degree that it is not inconstant with the primary object of aneffective waterproofing film, an embodiment should be directed towardsbiodegradability and the potential for the usual prescribed properdisposal of conventional tissue papers. However, certain embodiments oftissue paper comprising a waterproofing film may fall in that categoryof personal hygiene products that have more constrained disposalrequirements than ordinary facial tissues. It is also appreciated thatcertain embodiments may represent a premium in manufacturing costs andis directed towards use in limited occasional circumstances rather thantowards a general everyday use. It is also appreciated that a facialtissue embodiment as disclosed herein may advantageously requireapproval from the FDA (in the US) and/or such other consumer safetyagency.

An adhesive, bonding and/or laminating process is utilized on at leastfour corners of each of the tissue plies 401 403 and the waterproofingfilm 402 to secure the various elements. In manufacturing a bondingagent may be broadly applied. Clearly, the adhesive and/or bondingprocess responsive to the bonding of two plies of tissue may, althoughnot necessarily, be different than the adhesive and/or bonding processthat is responsive to the bonding of a tissue ply to the waterproofingfilm. In an embodiment, any utilized adhesive or chemical process isresponsive to a hypoallergenic objective and has a medical gradequality.

WO 2017/180961 Published Oct. 19, 2017 of Inventors De Calmes et al.,titled: “Polyacrylic adhesive for use in tissue paper laminating” isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is exemplary of theknowledge available to a POSITA. The'961 publication “relates to amethod for manufacturing a multi-ply tissue paper, wherein a firsttissue is adhesively bonded to a second tissue using an aqueous,repulpable adhesive composition comprising an alkali soluble acryliccopolymer, The present invention also relates to a multi-ply tissuepaper obtained by said manufacturing method.” (961 Abstract.) The '961disclosure compares the alkali soluble acrylic copolymer to “Widely usedadhesive compositions comprise polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polyvinylacetates, carboxymethyl cellulose or starch based adhesives. CurrentlyPVOH dominates the market, especially for paper products having multipleplies, in particular having at least 3 plies.” (961 Background ¶20.)

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0031578 of Tirimacco publishedFeb. 19, 2004 and titled: “Multi-Ply Wiping Products Made According To ALow Temperature Delamination Process” is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and is further exemplary of the knowledgeavailable to a POSITA. The '578 Patent Application Publication recitesin part that: “In one embodiment, the paper web is an uncrepedthrough-air dried web. The web can contain softwood fibers incombination with high-yield fibers. For example, the high-yield fiberscan be contained in the middle layer of a stratified fiber furnish. Inaccordance with the present invention, a first bonding material isapplied to a first side of the web and optionally a second bondingmaterial is applied to a second side of the paper web. The bondingmaterials are applied according to preselected patterns. At least oneside of the paper web is creped after one of the bonding materials isapplied. The bonding material applied to the creped side of the web canbe an adhesive selected that allows the web to be creped at relativelylow temperatures” (578 Abstract.)

The incorporation of references provide opportunities for POSITA toenhance the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the above citedde Assis reference discloses that

“Typically, the Yankee side of the tissue paper is softer than the feltside. The Yankee side has small valleys that give a softer sensation,while the felt side has peaks that provides a rougher sensation.Therefore, it is recommended to put the Yankee side of the sheet on theoutside of tissue products (Boudreau 2013).” (de Assis Page 4604.)

FIG. 3C is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 3A further comprising anadditional coating between the absorbent tissue plies and thewaterproofing film. The side view identifies the top absorbent tissueply 301, the interleaved waterproofing film 302, and the bottomabsorbent tissue ply 303 of the facial tissue and the a coatings orchemical barrier 311 separating undesired chemical bleed from thewaterproofing film 302 to the top absorbent tissue ply 301 and acoatings or chemical barrier 3131 separating undesired chemical bleedfrom the waterproofing film 302 to the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303.The waterproofing film 302 provides at least equivalent waterproofingcharacteristic as depicted in FIG. 3B. Also in this instance,undesirable chemicals are not allowed passage or penetration to the topabsorbent tissue ply 301 and fluid and undesirable chemicals are notallowed passage or penetration to the bottom absorbent tissue ply 303.The chemically isolated enhanced waterproofing characteristic 314 isdepicted by the octagonal+symbol.

The facial tissue embodiment having an interleaved waterproofingfilm/barrier, while suitable for most uses, is specifically intended tobe most useful to, for example, a user suffering from the kind of runnynoses and nasal mucus secretions associated with a cold or sinusinfection. In other words, the facial tissue embodiment is not directedto marketing facial tissues to the broadest consumer audience foreveryday use, rather it is designed to be marketed to a specific nichemarket (submarket, market fragment). The present inventions are drawn toeffectively serving a specific and well-defined consumer audience. Seede Assis: “a) Economy and Value products (EV); Premium products (PR),and c) Ultra products (UL).” (De Assis page 4595.) “UL category accountsfor more expensive and high-performance products, manufactured with aminimum amount of recycled fibers. UL products are usually manufacturedcombining advanced technologies, such as through-air drying (TAD), highcontent of virgin and high-quality fibers, multiple plies (2 or 3), andchemicals (softeners, debonders, wetting agents) (Fisher 2016; Zou2017).” (de Assis page 4596.)

Accordingly, in a core exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, afacial tissue product comprises two fluid-absorbent paper tissue plies;and a waterproofing plastic film interleaved in-between the twofluid-absorbent plies of paper tissue. In such an embodiment, thewaterproofing plastic film may have a thickness of not greater than a 50gauge (e.g., 35-40 gauge range) and may be made from a low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers, or made from abioplastic. The two paper tissue plies may be free of a water resistantadditive, an additive selected from the group consisting of a volatilerhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, maybe applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies, and/or a lotionadditive may be applied to at least one outer surface of the facialtissue product. Further, a hypoallergenic coating is applied to thesurfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleedfrom the waterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.

FIG. 4A is top view of a 4-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film further comprising an additive between the absorbenttissue plies and the waterproofing film. The 4-ply facial tissue 400comprises two top absorbent tissue plies 401, an interleavedwaterproofing film 402, and two bottom absorbent tissue plies 403. Thefacial tissue of FIG. 4A may also be described as being a 5-ply tissuepaper, the fifth ply being the waterproofing film 402.

Conventionally, a 3-ply or 4-ply facial tissue enables differentiatingthe use of hardwood and softwood fibers among the various tissue plies(e.g., short hardwood fibers on the surface tissue ply to get the handfeel, and longer softwood fibers on the interior tissue ply forstrength). Advantageously, the 4-ply facial tissue of the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 4A provides the opportunity to increase the overallsoftness of the tissue plies, relying instead on the waterproofing filmto more than satisfy the conventional strength and disintegrationprevention requirements.

In this exemplary embodiment, the 4-ply facial tissue comprises anadditive, chemicals, lotions, coating, and/or substances to impart tothe facial tissue any number of characteristics known to one of ordinaryskill in the art. Such substances may be placed or incorporated at anysuitable place from the outer surface of the top most tissue ply 401 tothe surface of the waterproofing film 402. Such substances may besymmetrically and similarly placed or incorporated at any suitable placefrom the outer surface of the bottom most tissue ply 403 to thecorresponding surface of the waterproofing film 402. Alternatively,responsive to manufacturing requirements and responsive to theadvantageous properties of the waterproofing feature, differentadditive, chemicals, lotions, coating, and/or substances andcombinations thereof may be applied to the region of the bottomabsorbent tissue plies 403 than are applied to the region of the topabsorbent tissue plies 401. Further, the top two absorbent tissue plies401 need not be the same or substantially the same, each of the twoplies may have a different fiber compositions or structures, may bedifferently treated, different properties may be imparted to each, anddifferent additives applied. The foregoing applies similarly withrespect to the bottom two absorbent tissue plies 403.

FIG. 4B is side view of the 4-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film further comprising an additive between the absorbenttissue plies and the waterproofing film. The side view identifies thetop two absorbent tissue plies 401, the interleaved waterproofing film402, the bottom two absorbent tissue plies 403, the additives/coatings411 and the additive/coating 413 of the facial tissue. Note theasymmetrical placement of the additive/coating 411 and theadditive/coating 413. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality oftissue plies in combination with the waterproofing feature furtherenhance the prevention of transfer of fluid to the hand of the user. Theenhanced waterproofing characteristic 414 is depicted by the octagonal+symbol.

In particular with respect to additives with beneficial properties whichmay be synergistically incorporated with the various advantageousembodiments disclosed herein, the following are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,517,433 issued Apr. 14 2009 to Zwick et al is titled:“Soft Paper Sheet With Improved Mucus Removal”; the previously cited'766 Patent also discloses that water resistant chemical additive caninclude, for instance, “a softener, a lotion, a skin-conditioning agent,a sunscreen agent, an anti-acne agent, an anti-microbial agent, acosmetic astringent, an emollient, and mixtures thereof. In oneembodiment, the hydrophobic agent can be selected from surface sizingagents known to those skilled in the art. These sizing agents are addedto the tissue to primarily enhance the hydrophobic properties of thetissue sheet. In another particular embodiment, for instance, the waterresistant chemical additive is a hydrophobic softener. In particular,the hydrophobic softener can be a silicone, such as a polysiloxane.Polysiloxanes are used primarily as softeners and anti-friction agents.”(766 2:56-67.)

U.S. Pat. No. 8,187,419 issued May 29. 2012 to Chan et al., titled:“Soft Tissue Paper Having A Polyhydroxy Compound And Lotion Applied OntoA Surface Thereof” recites in part “The present disclosure provides apaper product having at least two plies. Only one outer surface of thetissue paper product has a lotion and a polyhydroxy compound having amolecular weight ranging from about 150 to about 4,000 and selected fromthe group consisting of glycerols, polyglycerols, polyethylene glycols(PEGs), polyoxyethylenes, polyoxypropylenes, and combinations thereofapplied thereto by slot extrusion. The polyhydroxy compound provides thetissue paper product with a Wet Burst greater than about 90 g, a DynamicCoefficient of Friction less than about 0.9, and a Bending Flexibilityless than about 0.042 gf cm²/cm.” (‘419 Abstract’)

U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,242 issued Feb. 18, 2003 to Minerath et al., titled:“Method For Sequestration Of Nasal Secretion Skin Irritants With FacialTissue” recites in part: “The present invention provides a method ofsequestering nasal secretion skin irritants comprising administering tothe stratum corneum of an individual's skin a facial tissue comprising atissue substrate, a nasal secretion skin irritant sequestering amount ofa combination of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nasal secretion skinirritant sequestering agents.” ('242 Abstract].)

U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,534 issued Jan. 1, 2013 to Kleinwaechter titled:“Tissue Including A Volatile Rhinological Composition” calls for inclaim 1 “A fibrous tissue comprising: fibers suitable for the intendeduse; a volatile rhinological effective composition comprising menthylmethyl ether, said composition being effective on human skin by eitherproviding physiological or perceived sinus relief; wherein said tissuefurther comprises a transferable lotion in addition to the volatilerhinological effective composition; wherein said lotion is present insubstantially discrete deposits on at least one of said externalsurfaces and said lotion basis weight in said deposits is at least about11 g/sqm; and wherein said tissue further comprises a cooling sensate inthe amount of at least about 0.005% by weight of said tissue.” (534claim 1.)

Accordingly, in one exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, afacial tissue product comprises a waterproofing plastic film; at leastone set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to one surface of thewaterproofing plastic film; and at least another set of at least twopaper tissue plies applied to the opposite surface of the waterproofingplastic film, whereby the waterproofing plastic film is interleaved inbetween the one set of paper tissue plies and the another set of papertissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film, having a lowvapor permeability, does not allow passage of fluid from the one set ofthe at least two paper tissue plies to the another set of the at leasttwo paper tissue plies.

In such one exemplary embodiment, the potential enhancements furthercomprise, for example, wherein the waterproofing plastic film has athickness of not greater than a 50 gauge and is made from a low-densitypolyethylene (LDPE) containing no plasticizers; wherein thewaterproofing plastic film is made from a bioplastic synthesized viamicrobial fermentation; wherein the paper tissue plies are free of awater resistant additive; wherein a hypoallergenic adhesive adheres apaper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofing plastic film; whereinan additive selected from the group consisting of a volatilerhinological effective composition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, isapplied to at least one of the paper tissue plies; wherein an at leastone outer surface of the facial tissue has a lotion additive; wherein anadditive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies in the oneset of paper tissue plies is different from an additive applied to atleast one of the paper tissue plies in the another set of paper tissueplies.

In an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, a facialtissue product comprises a waterproofing plastic film; at least one setof at least two paper tissue plies applied to a one surface of thewaterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the oneset are free of a water resistant additive; and at least another set ofat least two paper tissue plies applied to an opposite surface of thewaterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of theanother set are free of a water resistant additive, and whereby thewaterproofing plastic film is interleaved in between the one set ofpaper tissue plies and the another set of paper tissue plies, andwhereby the waterproofing plastic film does not allow passage of fluidfrom the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to the anotherset of the at least two paper tissue plies.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, the waterproofingplastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50 gauge (e.g., 35-40gauge range) and being made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE); ahypoallergenic adhesive adheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of thewaterproofing plastic film; an additive selected from the groupconsisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion,and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least one of the paper tissueplies; and an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue pliesof the one set of paper tissue plies is different from an additiveapplied to at least one of the paper tissue plies of the another set ofpaper tissue plies.

In exemplary embodiments, the waterproofing plastic film may be madefrom or utilize polyethylene, PVC, low-density polyethylene (LDPE athermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene), a thermoplastic, and/orpolymeric. The varieties of polyethylene films include low-densitypolyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene,and linear low-density polyethylene. A waterproofing plastic film may bea hypoallergenic (latex-free) nonwoven/woven film; may be a medicalgrade transparent/opaque film; and may be made from bio-based materialssuch as starch, cellulose, and those derived from processes involvingmicrobial such as, for example, bioplastics synthesized via microbialfermentation of polysaccharides poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Further,a waterproofing plastic film herein does not require that it be aplastic film, in an exemplary embodiment the waterproofing plastic filmis a waterproofing non-plastic film or waterproofing film havingwaterproofing qualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plasticfilm.

FIG. 5A is top view of a 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing barrier as per another exemplary embodiment of the presentinventions. The 2-ply facial tissue 500 comprises a top absorbent tissueply 501, an interleaved waterproofing barrier 502, and a bottomabsorbent tissue ply 503.

The waterproofing barrier may be any physical material, chemical,coating, substance, and/or matter suitable to provide an effectivewaterproofing barrier and that does not undermine the effective use ofsuch a tissue product. It is emphasized that, unlike methodologies inthe cited references, the waterproofing barrier must satisfy thedefinitional requirement i.e., not allowing passage or penetration offluid.

FIG. 5B is side view of the 2-ply facial tissue with an interleavedwaterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 5A. The side view identifies thetop absorbent tissue ply 501, the interleaved waterproofing barrier 502,and the bottom absorbent tissue ply 503 of the facial tissue. Thewaterproofing barrier 502 provides the waterproofing characteristic 504.In this instance, fluid is not allowed passage or penetration 504 to thebottom absorbent tissue ply 503.

FIG. 6A is top view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are appliedto both surfaces of a waterproofing film. The facial tissue 600comprises a waterproofing film 602 upon which absorbent tissue fibers601 have been deposited, sprayed, applied, or otherwise coated to onesurface of the waterproofing film 602, and a substantially equal amountof absorbent tissue fibers 603 have been similarly deposited, sprayed,applied, or otherwise coated to the other surface of the waterproofingfilm 602. Both the applied absorbent tissue fibers layers 601 and 603may have substantially the same or superior absorbent and feelcharacteristics as any one of the conventional paper tissue plies. Thefacial tissue of FIG. 6A may also be described as effectively comprisinga 3-ply tissue paper.

FIG. 6B is side view of a facial tissue wherein paper fibers are appliedto both surfaces of a waterproofing film as depicted in FIG. 6A. Theside view identifies the top absorbent fiber layer 601, the interleavedwaterproofing film 602, and the bottom absorbent fiber layer 603 of thefacial tissue. The waterproofing film 602 provides the waterproofingcharacteristic 604. In this instance, fluid is not allowed passage orpenetration to the opposing absorbent fiber layer.

FIG. 7A is top view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film,having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved betweentwo plies of tissue paper. The facial tissue 700 comprises awaterproofing film 702 upon which absorbent tissue fibers 701 have beendeposited, sprayed, coated, or otherwise applied to one surface of thewaterproofing film 702, and a substantially equal amount of absorbenttissue fibers 703 have been similarly deposited, sprayed, coated, orotherwise applied to the other surface of the waterproofing film 702.Both the applied absorbent tissue fibers layers 701 and 703 may havesubstantially the same or superior absorbent and feel characteristics asany one of the conventional paper tissue plies. In this embodiment, thewaterproofing film 702, having absorbent fiber layers 701 703 applied toboth surfaces of the waterproofing film 702, is interleaved between atop absorbent paper tissue ply 711 and bottom absorbent paper tissue ply713. The facial tissue of FIG. 7A may also be described as effectivelycomprising a 5-ply tissue paper.

FIG. 7B is side view of a facial tissue wherein a waterproofing film,having paper fibers applied to both its surfaces, is interleaved betweentwo plies of tissue paper. The side view identifies the top absorbentfiber layer 701, the interleaved waterproofing film 702, and the bottomabsorbent fiber layer 703 of the facial tissue. In this exemplaryembodiment, the waterproofing film 702, having absorbent fiber layers701 703 applied to both surfaces of the waterproofing film 702, isinterleaved between a top absorbent paper tissue ply 711 and bottomabsorbent paper tissue ply 713. The waterproofing film 702 provides thewaterproofing characteristic 704. In this instance, fluid is not allowedpassage or penetration to the opposing absorbent fiber layer and tissuepaper ply.

Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present inventions, afacial tissue product comprising two fluid-absorbent paper tissue plies,and a waterproofing plastic film interleaved in-between the twofluid-absorbent plies of paper tissue, further comprises absorbenttissue fibers coating one surface of the waterproofing film, and asubstantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers coating anopposite surface of the waterproofing film, and whereby absorbent tissuefibers coatings are applied in-between a paper tissue ply and a surfaceof the waterproofing plastic film. In such an exemplary embodiment, theabsorbent tissue fibers coatings may be applied in-between a papertissue ply and a surface of the waterproofing plastic film, and abonding adheres a paper tissue ply to an absorbent tissue fiberscoating. A hypoallergenic coating may be applied to the surfaces of thewaterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from thewaterproofing plastic film to a tissue fibers coating and/or to a papertissue ply.

As in other exemplary embodiments, the waterproofing plastic film has athickness of not greater than a 50 gauge (e.g., 35-40 gauge range) andis made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing noplasticizers. Alternatively, as in other exemplary embodiments, thewaterproofing plastic film may be made from or utilize polyethylene,PVC, low-density polyethylene (LDPE a thermoplastic made from themonomer ethylene), a thermoplastic, and/or polymeric. The varieties ofpolyethylene films include low-density polyethylene, medium densitypolyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and linear low-densitypolyethylene. A waterproofing plastic film may be a hypoallergenic(latex-free) nonwoven/woven film; may be a medical gradetransparent/opaque film; and may be made from bio-based materials suchas starch, cellulose, and those derived from processes involvingmicrobial such as, for example, bioplastics synthesized via microbialfermentation of polysaccharides poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Further,a waterproofing plastic film herein does not require that it be aplastic film, in an exemplary embodiment the waterproofing plastic filmis a waterproofing non-plastic film or waterproofing film havingwaterproofing qualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plasticfilm.

Herein a waterproofing film or a waterproofing barrier recited toprovide the waterproofing characteristic shall not be deemed tonecessarily exclude other elements from contributing substantially ormarginally to the waterproofing characteristics. Accordingly, awaterproofing film or a waterproofing barrier recited to provide thewaterproofing characteristic may provide such waterproofingcharacteristics as a result of a synergistic combination with such otherelements.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousaspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or latercome to be known to a POSITA are expressly incorporated herein byreference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover,nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the publicregardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in theclaims. No claim element is to be construed as a means plus functionunless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

The teachings disclosed herein, directly and indirectly by, for example,incorporation, are intended to show a variety of inventive elements andfeatures which are combined and may be combined to suit particularembodiments. While a function of incorporation is to provide additionaldetail explanation, the synergies among and between the variousinventive elements is a significant feature of and object ofincorporation. The incorporation by reference at a specific place withinthe specification is not intended to limit the extent to which thereference is incorporated, or the manner in which it may be integratedto the extent that the particular teaching is non-contradictory to theprimary object of providing an effective fluid barrier within the facialtissue. Where a teaching may be deemed to be at cross purposes, orotherwise incompatible, with some other teaching, it ought to beunderstood as a possible alternative to be utilized as a particularpreferred embodiment may require.

While elements of the inventions have been detailed in conjunction withspecific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternativepermutations in the combination elements and features are possible, andadditional modifications and variations are possible and will beapparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoingdescriptions. For example, the waterproofing film 702 of FIG. 7A may besubstituted by a waterproofing barrier on which surfaces absorbent fiberlayers 701 703 are applied.

Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such permutations,alternatives, modifications, variations, and combinations as fall withinthe spirit and broad scope of the specification. The teachings that havebeen cited and incorporated herein are offered by way of example, andnot limitation, of the underlying foundation of knowledge and skill thatis available to a POSITA. Many of the features, components, and methodsfound in the art may be incorporated, as suggested herein, in apreferred embodiment; and since other modifications and changes variedto fit particular requirements and environments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art, the inventions are not limited to theembodiments set forth or suggested herein.

The various embodiments disclosed herein offer other advantages thatwill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the variousembodiments utilizing a waterproofing film/barrier provide opportunitiesfor the use or greater use, in a facial tissue, of recycled paper fibersthat are known to have poor mechanical and barrier properties.

It is to be understood that the inventions are not limited thereby. Itis also to be understood that the specific details shown are merelyillustrative, and that the inventions may be carried out in other wayswithout departing from the broad spirit and scope of the specification.

1. A facial tissue product comprising: a waterproofing plastic filmbeing made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE); at least one set ofat least two paper tissue plies applied to a one surface of thewaterproofing plastic film, wherein the paper tissue plies of the oneset are fluid absorbent and free of a water resistant additive; and atleast another set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to anopposite surface of the waterproofing plastic film, wherein the papertissue plies of the another set are fluid absorbent and free of a waterresistant additive, and whereby the waterproofing plastic film isinterleaved in between the one set of paper tissue plies and the anotherset of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofing plastic filmdoes not allow passage of fluid from the one set of the at least twopaper tissue plies to the another set of the at least two paper tissueplies.
 2. The facial tissue product of claim 1, wherein a hypoallergenicadhesive adheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofingplastic film.
 3. The facial tissue product of claim 1, wherein anhypoallergenic coating is applied to the surfaces of the waterproofingplastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from the waterproofing plasticfilm to a paper tissue ply.
 4. The facial tissue product of claim 1,wherein an additive applied to at least one of the paper tissue plies ofthe one set of paper tissue plies is different from an additive appliedto at least one of the paper tissue plies of the another set of papertissue plies.
 5. A facial tissue product comprising: a waterproofingplastic film; at least one set of at least two paper tissue pliesapplied to one surface of the waterproofing plastic film; and at leastanother set of at least two paper tissue plies applied to the oppositesurface of the waterproofing plastic film, whereby the waterproofingplastic film is interleaved in between the one set of paper tissue pliesand the another set of paper tissue plies, and whereby the waterproofingplastic film, having a low vapor permeability, does not allow passage offluid from the one set of the at least two paper tissue plies to theanother set of the at least two paper tissue plies.
 6. The facial tissueproduct of claim 5, wherein an hypoallergenic coating is applied to thesurfaces of the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleedfrom the waterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.
 7. The facialtissue product of claim 5, wherein the waterproofing plastic film ismade from a bioplastic synthesized via microbial fermentation.
 8. Thefacial tissue product of claim 5, wherein the paper tissue plies arefree of a water resistant additive; and wherein the waterproofingplastic film is a waterproofing non-plastic film having waterproofingqualities comparable to that of a waterproofing plastic film.
 9. Thefacial tissue product of claim 5, wherein a hypoallergenic adhesiveadheres a paper tissue ply to a surface of the waterproofing plasticfilm.
 10. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein an additiveselected from the group consisting of a volatile rhinological effectivecomposition, a lotion, and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least oneof the paper tissue plies.
 11. The facial tissue product of claim 5,wherein an at least one outer surface of the facial tissue has a lotionadditive.
 12. The facial tissue product of claim 5, wherein an additiveapplied to at least one of the paper tissue plies in the one set ofpaper tissue plies is different from an additive applied to at least oneof the paper tissue plies in the another set of paper tissue plies. 13.A facial tissue product comprising: two fluid-absorbent paper tissueplies; and a waterproofing plastic film interleaved in-between the twofluid-absorbent plies of paper tissue.
 14. The facial tissue product ofclaim 13, further comprising absorbent tissue fibers coating a onesurface of the waterproofing film, and a substantially equal amount ofabsorbent tissue fibers coating an opposite surface of the waterproofingfilm, and whereby absorbent tissue fibers coatings are appliedin-between a paper tissue ply and a surface of the waterproofing plasticfilm.
 15. The facial tissue product of claim 13, further comprisingabsorbent tissue fibers coating a one surface of the waterproofing film,and a substantially equal amount of absorbent tissue fibers coating anopposite surface of the waterproofing film, and whereby absorbent tissuefibers coatings are applied in-between a paper tissue ply and a surfaceof the waterproofing plastic film, wherein a bonding adheres a papertissue ply to an absorbent tissue fibers coating, wherein thewaterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50gauge and is made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing noplasticizers.
 16. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein thewaterproofing plastic film has a thickness of not greater than a 50gauge and is made from a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing noplasticizers; and an hypoallergenic coating is applied to the surfacesof the waterproofing plastic film to inhibit a chemical bleed from thewaterproofing plastic film to a paper tissue ply.
 17. The facial tissueproduct of claim 13, wherein the waterproofing plastic film is made froma bioplastic synthesized via microbial fermentation, and wherein thewaterproofing plastic film is biodegradable.
 18. The facial tissueproduct of claim 13, wherein the two paper tissue plies are free of awater resistant additive; and wherein the waterproofing plastic film isa waterproofing non-plastic film having waterproofing qualitiescomparable to that of a waterproofing plastic film.
 19. The facialtissue product of claim 13, wherein an additive selected from the groupconsisting of a volatile rhinological effective composition, a lotion,and a cooling sensate, is applied to at least one of the paper tissueplies.
 20. The facial tissue product of claim 13, wherein an at leastone outer surface of the facial tissue has a lotion additive.